Arroyo approves retirement of Bangit

MANILA, Philippines – Armed Forces Chief of Staff Gen. Delfin Bangit will retire from the military effective Tuesday.

President Macapagal-Arroyo approved on Monday Bangit’s request for early retirement from the service, her spokesperson Ricardo Saludo said.

"As recommended by the AFP Board of Generals, the President has designated Vice Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Nestor Ochoa as Acting Chief of Staff after Gen. Bangit retires,'' Saludo said in a text message to reporters.

Bangit filed for early retirement last week after President-elect Benigno "Noynoy'' Aquino III made it very clear he did not wish to have him as his AFP chief.

The AFP chief had asked for his retirement to take effect on June 22 or ahead of his benefactor, Ms Arroyo, who steps down from power at noon of June 30.

Aquino and his camp had questioned earlier the appointment of Bangit which was made by Ms Arroyo on March 9, or a day before the ban on appointments.

Congress failed to act on the ad interim appointment of Bangit when it closed last month.

Bangit was supposed to retire in July next year.